Unfortunately, you won't find a Maid of the Mist of the Canadian Side of
It should be noted that Maid of the Mist has changed hands over the years and since 1971 it has been owned by the Glynn family. Tourists visiting Canadian Niagara Falls take the Hornblower Niagara Cruise while tourists to USA Niagara Falls take the Maid of the Mist.
Maid of the Mist is located on the American side of Niagara Falls. If you're planning on crossing the border as part of your journey, be sure to read this first.
Quite often you will hear that the view of Niagara Falls is much better from the Canadian side of the border. While this is statement is true you can take a ride aboard the Maid of the Mist where you will actually be viewing the Falls from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. And yes the view is amazing!
Well, the Maid of the Mist glides from the US side of Niagara Falls from the boarding dock located in the Niagara Falls State Park, New York. Whereas the Hornblower Niagara Cruise sets its sails from the Canadian side from Niagara Parkway at the foot of Clifton Hill.
The views are way better on the Canadian side, but that's because you can stand across the river and see the waterfalls. But if you want to stand right up next to them, you're better off on the US side. You can get pretty close to the Horseshoe Falls at the Niagara Falls Viewpoint in Canada.
Be sure to opt for shoes that are easy to dry as you will get soaked head to toe on your Hornblower boat tour!
the us side is much less expensive, but with the kids, you might want to stay on the canadian side cause there is more to do. you could even look into staying in buffalo, its close, only a 20 minute drive, and theres lots to do there, but i would only do that if cost is a big player.
You can view the falls from both the American side and the Canadian side but, in our humble opinion, the best way to see them is from the Canadian side. This is where you can get up close and personal with Horseshoe Falls, the most impressive of the three falls that make up Niagara Falls.
From Niagara Falls USA, visitors can cross the Rainbow Bridge, connecting Downtown Niagara Falls, N.Y. to Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pedestrians are permitted on the pedestrian walkway.
You are supplied with a Maid of Mist poncho, but you will be soaked. We recommend wearing shoes that dry quickly, or even flip flops if you have them.
Yes, it is safe to bring your camera on the Maid of the Mist boat. You will get some excellent photographs from that vantage point. When you enter the mist, you can put your camera under the raincoat supplied by the cruise line or you may bring a plastic bag to protect your camera.
Yes, you will definitely get wet on the Maid of the Mist tour.
The Maid of the Mist goes alongside the American Falls before bringing you into the mist of the Horseshoe Falls. It does not go behind Niagara Falls, but the boat travels to the bedrock of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Directions & Parking Information
Before you board one of our all-electric boats for the ride of a lifetime, you should know how to get here. Use the map to find directions from virtually anywhere in North America. Boats depart from Niagara Reservation State Park at Prospect Point.
The boat ride available in Niagara Falls, Canada is called Niagara City Cruises. Previously it was operated by Maid of the Mist, which now only exists on the American side of Niagara Falls.
The Canadian side is where you get gorgeous panoramas of both the American Falls and the mighty Horseshoe Falls. It's definitely the more glamorous side of Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls' Canada side offers you a view of the falls that you simply cannot get from The United States. You can get much closer to the Horseshoe Falls from the Canada side. The Horseshoe Falls are the largest, prettiest, and most powerful of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls.
Visiting Niagara Falls in Ontario (Canadian Side)
In Canada, you'll experience the best views of all of the falls, from seeing the macro-view of the American side as well as the astonishing Horseshoe Falls. Please note: You'll be visiting another country, so remember to pack your passport.
With so much to see and do, one day is never enough. Plan to stay 2-3 nights to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Falls, exciting attractions, nature, parks and hiking trails.
Niagara Falls in winter is one of the best times to visit because you'll be able to see a partially frozen Niagara Falls. It's quite the sight to behold in the winter months, surrounded by snow and ice! There's really nothing like it anywhere else in the world.
Not only can you tour the Falls by boat, helicopter, and your own two feet, but there are plenty of activities in the area to keep visitors busy for days. Sure, you could visit Niagara Falls in one quick, rushed day, but it is better experienced with a two day stay (or longer).
Hornblower offers several tour options and attraction packages, including the Voyage to the Falls, Sunset Cocktail Cruise, and Falls Illumination/Fireworks Cruise, allowing you to customize your experience.
The best time to go for the Niagara Falls boat ride is early in the morning as soon as it is open. The crowds are fewer and the wait time is less. Midday to late afternoon, you might have to wait for more than an hour to board the boat. The waiting time is also less towards closing time.
Additionally, the rocks surrounding the falls are extremely slippery and can cause serious injuries if you slip and fall. What is this? That's why swimming is strictly prohibited, and signs are posted all around the area warning visitors not to attempt it.